If you are a local or “washashore”, as the locals call those who are not from the area, or just an interested day-tripper. Provincetown—at the outermost point of Cape Cod—has long beckoned visitors. The hub of the whalers, fisherman and LGBTQIA+ communities is always changing and inviting.
You can fill up a whole week with things to do in Ptown. However, those who are looking for an efficient way to enjoy this slice of New England paradise in one day can still have a great time. From linguiça breakfast sandwiches (a nod to the local Portuguese community) to afternoon “tea dance,” we have you covered for the perfect day in Ptown—plus a few suggestions in case you decide to take your time and conveniently “miss” the last ferry to Boston. (I could totally understand you if that was the case.)
How to Get There
From Boston, there are two fast ferry routes that run to Provincetown. Bay State Cruise Company Boston’s Seaport area is offered a slightly later departure (8:30am), while Boston Harbor City Cruise Long Wharf is located in the downtown area. The departure time is 9 am. BHCC sails back to Boston at 9 p.m. on weekends during the summer, while Bay State offers daily 7:30 p.m. return sailings.
Arrival
Taku Sanada/Getty Images
The first fast ferry to Boston leaves shortly after 10 am. If you’re visiting during the peak summer season, there’s a good chance half the town is still asleep from the night before, while the other half have been up since dawn, strolling the shoreline or powering through cardio regimens on Commercial Street—Ptown’s main thoroughfare of galleries, shops, bars and restaurants.
The early risers are a great example of why it is wise to go to Liz’s Café Anybody’s BarYou’ll almost certainly be privy the the tea du jour, and I don’t just mean the Earl Grey, rustling up the town’s curtains. Linguiça breakfast sandwiches served on a Portuguese muffin, as well as flippers (a Portuguese fried dough), share space on a menu of breakfast classics, lobster eggs benedict, and morning cocktails.
Bicycle to the Beach
DenisTangneyJr/Getty Images
The town will be your oyster once you are full of gossip and eggs. You might want to wait to consume those eggs until you’ve had a late meal. The two blocks east of Liz’s are Ptown BikesYou can rent bicycles and spend a couple of hours pedaling through the Provincetown stretch. Cape Cod National SeashoreAs you walk, work off your breakfast.
Herring Cove Beach is close to town and has calmer waters, while Race Point Beach faces the Atlantic Ocean and offers more crashing waves and taller dune backdrops for your beachside photo session. Herring Cove Beach is nearer to the town, and has calmer water. Race Point Beach faces directly towards the Atlantic Ocean with more crashing waves.
On your way back to town, after you’ve finished soaking up the sun and sand in the West End, take a self-guided walk through historic homes and beautiful architecture.
Lunch, Culture and Shopping
If you are feeling hungry, stop by the nearest restaurant. Pop+Dutch For sandwiches with creative names and delicious fillings. The Celine Dijon (French ham, Swiss cheese, Dijon mustard, cornichons, and brown butter on French baguette) is a fan favorite—and often sells out early to those who can hit the high note of “All By Myself” … or at least try their hardest each time it comes on Spotify.
If you prefer to sit down, Pepe’s WharfA little more upmarket,, located in the East End of town, offers frozen cocktails, oysters, fried seafood, and harbor views. Meanwhile, The Canteen is the town’s (dog-friendly) haven for lobster rolls, frozen rosé, and crispy Brussels sprouts, best enjoyed in the backyard that spills right onto the beach.
Dee/Getty Images
Save some time for the post-lunch experience and to indulge in a little splurging. The Provincetown Historical Society is a great place to learn more about Provincetown and its history. It’s also a good way to brag that the Pilgrims landed here first, signing the Mayflower Compact. Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum. The inclined elevator is located behind the Town Hall, on Bradford Street.
For those whose idea of culture is more of the shop-‘til-you-drop variety, Provincetown delivers. Commercial Street is lined with art galleries, boutiques and quirky gift shops. More than 40 art galleries The shops in the area cater to collectors and their tastes. Marine Specialties Gift shops like (where you can find anything from a Provincetown t-shirt to an old airline seat) provide a unique experience in the Outer Cape. Gift shops such as Womencrafts Highlight the work of women artists Tim-Scapes Ptown sells clothing with a Ptown theme and puts a modern spin on vintage posters.
Enjoy a Late Afternoon Party
Those looking to enjoy a sophisticated cocktail or an early dinner before boarding the ferry can head over to The Red InnThe crimson-hued waterfront favourite on Ptown’s west edge. The “teatini”, a bold, flavorful Earl Grey-infused gin drink, is a popular stop for pre-departure.
If you want to enjoy a delicious meal close to the MacMillan Pier and town centre, this is the place to go. CeraldiAfter many years as a Pop-up, it made its triumphant debut in Ptown, after spending several years in Wellfleet. Chef Michael Ceraldi continues to serve his signature seven-course menu, which features hyper-local and hyper-seasonal ingredients. Diners can now choose a casual meal, with a menu that includes soup, pasta, salad and bread. Or, they can opt for the Artist’s Special, which is “one course, in time and space.” The restaurant suggests that you allocate 2.5 hours to the tasting menu, and an hour and 15 minutes to the three-course option if you want a more casual bite.
The Pop + Dutch team made their debut in the heart of the city. LadyslipperThis summer,, a “elegant…for Provincetown” cocktail bar (their wording, not mine). The bar is already popular with those who are looking for a high-quality, yet casual bite. You can’t miss with “A Fruit Something,” a “Custard Situation” or “A Chocolate Requirement.” You can choose from a variety of cocktails, including the “Disco Nap”, which is a mix of vodka, cold-brew, espresso and vanilla.
The “see-and-be seen” (and often costumed) moment starts each afternoon nearer to the town center. Boatslip Resort & Beach ClubPtown’s famous afternoon “tea dancing” is held here. It starts daily at 4 pm. Part dance party, part social time, this is the place to reflect on the day, plan the evening and debrief.
Farewells … or Just Getting Started?
Speaking of which, tea wraps at 7 p.m.—just in time to catch the last ferry back to Boston. You’ll be able to see the street lights if you are power-walking along Commercial Street. It is not clear how to do this. You may be able squeeze in a last lobster roll from The Canteen to take to MacMillan Pier before you board. If you only want to get one last lobster roll, then it’s possible. The following are some of the things that you can do. What if you miss the final departure? Take it as fate.
The Red Inn Brass Key Guesthouse The following are some examples of how to get started: AWOL There are many luxurious options to stay overnight before the morning ferries leave. It’s possible that missing the morning ferry is the best thing you can do. As any local—or washashore like yours truly—will tell you: Provincetown truly comes alive after dark. But that’s another story.
